New Japan Pro Wrestling veteran Ryusuke Taguchi will miss eight shows after sustaining injuries in a bicycle accident.
NJPW announced that Taguchi had injured his neck, as well as suffering wounds to his face, hands and knees.
Among the shows he will miss are both nights of Wrestling Dontaku 2024.
Taguchi issued the following statement to fans:
Hello to all 69 of my fans across Japan. Although I can’t remember the exact accident due to my concussion, I apparently fell off my bicycle while swerving to avoid a dog. I will rest, recover and be back better than ever!
The promotion listed his replacements on the following upcoming shows:
- April 20 & April 22: Shoma Kato
- April 23: Katsuya Murashima
- April 25 & April 26: Hiroyoshi Tenzan
- April 29: Tomoaki Honma
- April 30: Katsuya Murahshima
- May 1: Shoma Kato
- May 3 & 4: Tiger Mask
Taguchi, 45, has been announced as a competitor in the Best of the Super Juniors tournament, which is set to begin on May 11th.